Report from David and Gaynell's trip to Malaysia for the first International Napoleon Hill Convention
Recently, David and Gaynell Larsen (LCF Groupowners, and directors of the non-profit organization FAIRS (Foundation for AmateurInternational Radio Service, Ltd.) were invited to attend the firstinternational “Napoleon Hill International Convention” in Malaysia.
Napoleon Hill was bornin Wise County– not too far from our home in Floyd County—and the Foundation named for him islocated on the University of Virginia (UVA) Campus in Wise. Nearly 100years ago, Napoleon Hill was commissioned by the wealthy Andrew Carnegieto do research and conduct interviews with over 500 people considered tobe “most successful” in that day: Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, John D.Rockefeller, Dr. Alexander Graham Bell, President Woodrow Wilson, to namea few. Napoleon Hill later wrote the“science” of success and achievement. His most popular book is “Think and Grow Rich”, available in bookstoresor online. The LCF Groupappreciates the motivational leadership of the late Napoleon Hill, andimplements many of the principals of his teaching in day to day business.
“What the mind can conceive and believe, the mind can achieve.” March12 & 13, 2007: Malaysian PrimeMinister Datuh Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badaui gave welcome to the many visitorsfrom around the globe. World-renowned speakers like Bob Proctor, Vic Conant,and Charlie "Tremendous" Jones were on hand to speak about theuniversal laws of success. Theconvention would also host the exclusive world-premiere of Martin Dunkerton’smovie Millionaire: Awaken Your Secret. And, it was advertised that the 1300 delegates(50 from the U.S.) would leave theconvention invigorated, with renewed commitment to excellence.
Itwas an honor for David and Gaynell to have this opportunity, and they werepleased to convene with like-minded folks. Both have enjoyed long-standing andsuccessful careers, in large part due to their “enthusiasm”, the eighth of 17principles Napoleon Hill writes about. David and Gaynell were scheduled to lead group discussion on this topic,and really enjoyed the prospect of it. It was exciting for them to share, especially since other “leaders”included every one of the convention speakers, all experts in theirfields. The incomparable Vic Conant, Presidentand CEO of Nightingale-Conant Corp, premier publisher of personaldevelopment programs, shared about “Personal Initiative”-- and David andGaynell were glad to make his acquaintance during the trip. These talks were part of a tour of Malaysiawith about 50 others from the convention.
“Malaysiahas a lot of beauty”, Dave said, “beaches and mountains…and it’s warm.” David and Gaynell both nodded approval forthe balmy temperatures. “The people ofMalaysia and those involved with the convention were really gracious andfriendly.” Gaynell especially enjoyedmeeting the interesting people, with whom she hopes to have continued contactas life-long friends. It was enjoyablefor them to converse about the “Riches of Life (where money is lower on thelist than positive attitude, health, relationships, etc.)”, while enjoying theriches of the country they were in. Sofast grew the friendships that David and Gaynell are already planning toreceive visitors to their home in Floyd!
Ofcourse, an international convention of this caliber doesn’t just happen. It takes a lot of work and determination bythose who hold the vision of it. Christina Chia, who is Founder & Manager of Napoleon Hill Associatesin Malaysia, headed up the organization. The Larsens had met her here in the U.S., at an annual Napoleon Hill Day(UVA-Wise) back in 2004. Other majorcontributors to the planning and success of the event were Judith Williamson,director of education for the Napoleon Hill Foundation and the Napoleon HillWorld Learning Center (located on the Purdue University Calumet campus), alongwith Uriel “Chino” Martinez and Alan Chen, associates at the LearningCenter. David and Gaynell were staggeredat the grandeur of it all. The Malaysianpeople were tremendously hospitable as well, throughout the convention andtour. As acknowledgment, the NapHill Foundationmade a sizable donation to the Ronald McDonald House in Kuala Lumpur, whichcares for children having medical needs.
Sincereturning home, David and Gaynell are enjoying time with family, especiallytheir 17 grandchildren! They are lookingto further contribute as citizens of Floyd County, and continue their supportof the Napoleon Hill Foundation.